Rob is a graduate of The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, holding both a Master’s degree in music education and a Bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance. As a music educator in both the private and public setting, his experience includes extensive work with drum corps, marching bands, jazz bands, wind ensembles, pit orchestras and private lesson studios. As a performer, Rob has had the privilege of playing with many incredible musicians, such as Dave Liebman, Slide Hampton, Carl Allen, George Rabbi, The Latin Express (Philadelphia, PA), The Harry James Tribute Band and more.
Rob started his drum corps career marching with the Jersey Surf for 6 years, spending 4 in the hornline as soprano section leader and soloist, and 2 as drum major. He then finished aging out with 2 years at the Concord Blue Devils playing upper lead trumpet. Since then, Rob has been a writer and consultant for over 50 schools and corps across the country through his business, Standing ‘O’ Marching, and has music published and distributed with Standing ‘O’, System Blue, Center X, J.W. Pepper, Marching Network, Dynamic Marching and Five Stone. Rob is on brass staff with the three time Open Class World Champion Blue Devils B from Concord, California, and is also a judge for the Cavalcade of Bands. Currently, Rob teaches instrumental and digital music in Clinton, NJ.
Shows
Apollo 13 – Grade 3.5
This show is based on the Apollo 13 space mission and is performed in 4 movements:
Lift Off-A majestic beginning as the astronauts prepare for lift off, building tension with a countdown to launch.
In Orbit-Long, beautiful chordal movement under a clarinet solo as the astronauts look at their home planet in a way they’ve never seen it before.
Turbulence-Including the famous “Houston, we have a problem” quote, intense rhythmic figures and grooves drive this movement as the astronauts attempt to survive in extreme conditions.
Reentry-A triumphant finish as the astronauts reenter the atmosphere and land safely back on Earth.
Bushido: Way of the Warrior – Grade 3.5
“Bushido” translates to “Way of the Warrior” and was the code of conduct followed by the Samurai warrior. There are 7 aspects of Bushido:
1. Gi (Fairness)
2. Yu (Courage)
3. Jin (Benevolence)
4. Rei (Respect)
5. Makoto (Honesty)
6. Meiyo (Honor)
7. Chungi (Loyalty).
Chivalry and Temptation: A Knights Tale – Grade 3.5
Perfect for a small band, this show was designed to be well within the limits of the performers, yet extremely effective, providing numerous GE moments. The show tells the story of a Knight who has an internal battle between his main virtue, chivalry, and the temptation of evil. Temptation Awaits – Begins with a brass quartet to symbolize nobility. The tempo change marks the introduction of temptation. Chivalry Holds – The main good and evil melodies are separated between the woodwinds and brass as chivalry tries to maintain its strength. The Inner Battle – A percussion feature. The percussion section is split into to separate groups. Chivalrous Triumph – The final inner battle between chivalry and temptation, as chivalry ultimately prevails.
Percussion parts by Mike Belskis and Bill Gastrock.
Divine Comedy – Grade 3.5
This show is based on the epic poem “The Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri. Well coordinated music and visual, as well as eight optional professionally made sound samples, will bring this show to life! Percussion parts by Mike Bishop
- Inferno
- Purgatorio
- Paradiso
Fuego Latino – Grade 3.5
Opens the show immediately with up-tempo latin-style impact, which shortly slows down to feature a trumpet solo. As the solo progresses, hear various sections of the band entering, building and climbing behind the soloist to the first full impact of the show. After a brief slower tango feel, another segment of layering sections begins, adding a huge accelerando to end the opener with a huge impact and ample general effect. Nightlife Tango starts out with a slow, dynamically sensitive feel featuring an alto saxophone solo. The tempo moves to a slow tango starting out a tenor saxophone solo with low brass background, followed by a full band impact. Immediately, the song takes off into a bright mambo feel featuring high energy drum breaks, wind features and rhythm that is sure to get the crowd on their feet! Fuego Latino Dos begins with a percussion feature with wind instrument background. This final movement is full of high GE full band impacts, mini percussion features and an ending that will allow your band to leave a strong statement on the field long after they’ve trooped the stands! Percussion by Kevin Thornburn and Sean Combes.
Inner Strength – Grade 3.5
This is an original composition based on overcoming the 5 stages of loss:
- Denial – Begins with a percussion feature and backfield wind melodies. A turn front field for the first big impact would fit perfectly.
- Anger and Bargaining – “Anger” includes a clarinet soli, as well as woodwind and brass features. There is a direct segue into the “Bargaining” section, which is more cheerful as this stage is similar to denial.
- Depression – Includes an opening mellophone solo, as well as one at the end.
- Acceptance – All ideas from each movement come together with a triumphant ending.
Matador – Grade 3.5
“Matador” takes the audience through the classic story of a bull fight with all original music, combining a dark, high intensity, contemporary sound with traditional Latin styles. The movement names are taken from the stages of an authentic Spanish-style bullfight. Percussion by Adam Clay.
- Paseillo (The Parade) – The participants enter the arena with a parade and are introduced to the crowd.
- Tercio De Varas (The Lancing Third) – The bull enters the arena and encounters the matador for the first time as the fighter tests the bull’s reactions. By the end of this stage, the matador hopes to stab the bull with a lance to draw the first blood and weaken the beast.
- El Toro Herido (The Wounded Bull) – The bull is wounded, but clings to life to fight again.
- Tercio De Muerte (The Third of Death) – The matador and bull engage in their final encounter.
Memoirs of a Gangster – Grade 3.5
“Memoirs of A Gangster” is set to tell the story of a mobster who decides he wants out of the “family.” The show is performed in three movements, and dark jazz and fast tempos keep the theme easily heard throughout. 1. The Usual Business, 2. Conflict, 3. I Want Out. Percussion parts by Adam Clay.
Rise of the Humans – Grade 3.5
This show takes place in a time when machines have taken over the Earth, and the humans attempt to rise up and defeat the evil they have created. The sound samples in this audio are included with the show.
Obey The Machine-Humans work as slaves under the heartless rule of the machines.
Revolt-One of the humans rallies his brothers and sisters against the machines as the winds and percussion trade off.
Reclaiming Earth-The humans and machines battle for dominance over the planet, ultimately ending in the destruction of the machines as man victoriously reclaims the Earth.
The Battle of Troy – Grade 3.5
“The Battle of Tory” is an original music composition for marching band by Rob Stein.
